I'm sorry Marydean that I probably won't be much help. I currently live with my parents and they are great (most of the time) and help out a lot.

However, the last year of my marriage, I was essentially a single parent - XH wouldn't come home until after 8 at night, and the kids were already in bed.

How I managed, was basically ORGANISATION. I had a newborn and a 2 year old. I'd make sure I planned their meals, shopped once a week (or online if you have to). Prepare meals when kids are asleep during the day (mine mostly slept at about the same time). Make sure kids are in bed by 8pm so you have YOU TIME before bed. Also, put out pjs etc before getting kids in bath (learned this one the hard way). Cook family meals, ie don't make yourself something other than what the kids are eating and eat with them.

I worked three days per week, and put the kids in daycare. I don't know if daycare/occasional care/playgroups are available in your area, but might be good to investigate. Also see if you have a neighbour who has kids, or even a teenager you trust, who might be able to come in for a few hours (that was a super idea).

I was lucky enough that I could send the kids to Mum's on every Wednesday night, and that was my night to relax.

I also found BB to be a saving grace. The live chat wasn't around back then, but it would have been wonderful.

Best wishes.